GVHBA Coats for Kids campaign will keep spirits bright

The temperatures are steadily falling, and it’s time to break out the cozy winter coats, gloves, hats and scarves. However, for those who can’t afford all of that warm gear, this season is not at all cheerful.

To combat this, the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association has kicked off its annual Coats for Kids campaign, hoping to beat last year’s collection number.

“Last year the response to Coats for Kids was heart-warming as Lower Mainland residents donated more than 3,000 coats, scarves, gloves, blankets and new unwrapped toys and gifts for distribution to children, teenagers and adults,” says GVHBA Board of Directors Chair Lynn Harrison.

The donation drive supports the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau, which helps provide a brighter Christmas for families in need. This year marks the 18th year that the association has done the campaign, which brings together members all over the Lower Mainland.

“I am delighted so many prominent members of our association are participating,” says Harrison. “It is so important to help families in our communities who are in need, especially during this time of the year.”

New or gently used winter coats, scarves, gloves, toques, warm blankets and sweaters and other warm items of clothing are all welcomed, as well as unwrapped gifts and toys or monetary donations.

Among the locations you can drop off items are many Black Press community newspaper offices, developers and other housing industry professionals in Abbotsford, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Delta, Langley, Maple Ridge, North Vancouver, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Richmond, Surrey, Vancouver and West Vancouver.

For a full list of participating locations and times when you can drop off donations, visit www.gvhba.org/coatsforkids.